Grenadier 71st foot, Fraser’s Highlanders, 1780

Scottish regiments have always been present in the British Army, since its establishment in 1660.

The 71st Regiment of Foot, more commonly known as the Fraser’s Highlanders was raised by Colonel Simon Fraser at Stirling Castle in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War and arrived in America the following year. They participated in many major battles of the war, like the ones of Brandywine, Camden, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown, before being disbanded at the end of the war in 1783.

Our figure depicts a grenadier of this regiment with the usual attire of the Scottish regiments of the period but including a particular feature. These troops were issued trousers due to the lack of resupplies and they were already a common sight at the start of the Southern Campaign in late 1778.

These trousers were normally made in brown wool but there are first-hand accounts that confirm that some soldiers had them made with stock from old kilts that were of the Black Watch pattern. So, it can be painted in both ways.

Note: This is a resin miniature kit that requires assembly and painting.